Cult of Body & Soul - Episode 4: "You Create Monsters"

Release Date: June 10, 2025

Introduction

In the fourth episode of "Cult of Body & Soul," titled "You Create Monsters," hosts Jess Rothschild and the Broadway Podcast Network delve deep into the darker side of SoulCycle's rise to prominence. This episode uncovers the intricate dynamics between instructors and riders, explores the impact of political turmoil on the brand, and examines the controversial departure of founders Julie Rice and Elizabeth Cutler. Through candid interviews and insider accounts, the episode paints a comprehensive picture of the challenges and scandals that have shaped SoulCycle's legacy.

Instructors Making Headlines

The episode opens by highlighting how certain SoulCycle instructors became notorious figures, not just for their teaching prowess but also for their off-the-bike behaviors. Janet Fitzgerald, a master instructor, provides insight into the early days of SoulCycle's strategic partnership with Equinox.

Janet Fitzgerald [02:26]: "I had no idea that Julie and Elizabeth were going to get into bed with Equinox. I had no idea about any of that."

She details how the rapid expansion brought both excitement and internal tension, with the influx of funds allowing SoulCycle to conquer new markets like California.

The Akin Ackman Phenomenon

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Akin Ackman, a Turkish tennis prodigy turned SoulCycle instructor whose charismatic teaching style led to a cult-like following. Ackman's meteoric rise within the company exemplifies the "cult of personality" that can form around high-profile instructors.

Akin Ackman [05:28]: "Setting aside how much that costs, first off, I don't even know what you're doing in life that you can ride 3, 4, 5 SoulCycle classes a day. Back to back to back to back to back."

Ackman's dedication was unparalleled—teaching up to six classes a day, seven days a week, and reportedly earning close to $1 million annually. His ability to consistently sell out classes created jealousy among peers and eventually led to his departure to start his own fitness empire, "Akin's Army."

Akin Ackman [08:35]: "I am not a physical therapist. I am not an orthopedic surgeon, but I have spoken to physical therapists and I have spoken to orthopedic surgeons, showing them the type of... we'll call them, moves that exists on the Bike."

His exit in 2019 was a significant blow to SoulCycle, as his entire clientele followed him to his new venture.

Addiction and Control in the Fitness Industry

The episode shifts focus to the underlying issues of addiction and control within the fitness community. Interviews with instructors like Hallie Becker and Leah Alonso reveal how personal struggles with addiction intersect with the high-intensity environment of SoulCycle.

Hallie Becker [24:36]: "Yoga became that for me. As I was getting clean, I was also finding my authentic voice at the front of the room on a mat, teaching yoga."

Leah Alonso discusses the parallels between substance addiction and the dopamine rush from high-intensity workouts, emphasizing the thin line between passion and dependency.

Leah Alonso [27:26]: "The need for extreme experiences, extreme sensations, going all in to a moment... That's why people rave. That's why we go to concerts."

Noah Shaw, another instructor, shares his experiences with male instructors engaging in inappropriate relationships with riders, highlighting a toxic aspect of the "cult-like" environment.

Noah Shaw [31:25]: "To not fuck everybody who walks in your room, to not fuck other people's wives, that's disgusting."

Leadership Changes and Cultural Shifts

The departure of founders Julie Rice and Elizabeth Cutler in April 2016 marked a pivotal moment for SoulCycle. The strategic partnership with Equinox initially promised expansion, but the cultural shift that followed led to internal strife and a decline in the company's original ethos.

Cynthia Erivo [38:02]: "I started my company when I was 23 years old, and I know the vibe and the feeling that they wanted, that they brought. They're brilliant. They were so smart to sell. When they did, I cried..."

Janet Fitzgerald recounts the emotional impact of the founders' exit, comparing it to attending a funeral and expressing fears that the brand's magic was lost in the transition.

Janet Fitzgerald [39:10]: "I'll never forget the moment that I learned that Julie and Elizabeth were going to leave. I started combination cry, screaming..."

Melanie Whelan's appointment as the new CEO introduced a more corporate and less inclusive leadership style, which clashed with the original community-focused culture of SoulCycle.

Cynthia Erivo [42:28]: "Melanie Whelan's style of leadership was, I think, too far a step away from Julie and Elizabeth. Too far a step. She came from the world of Equinox and related, and it felt that way."

Political Turmoil and Brand Image

The 2016 presidential election exacerbated existing tensions within SoulCycle, affecting employee morale and the company's public image. Efforts by the new leadership to maintain a politically neutral stance left many instructors feeling unsupported and silenced.

Akin Ackman [44:05]: "Tasked her with significantly expanding the brand... Once you start to like expand this very, very unique experience... it gets much, much more difficult to make sure that the quality remains as high as it always was."

Instructors grappled with the implications of political affiliations among riders, leading to a sense of alienation and frustration.

Janet Fitzgerald [46:23]: "Reckoning with that man becoming our president was insane... It was really tough."

The episode underscores how the combination of rapid expansion, leadership changes, and political unrest led to a fractured community, undermining the very foundation that made SoulCycle a cultural phenomenon.

Conclusion

"You Create Monsters" offers an unflinching look at the complexities behind SoulCycle's success. By unveiling the personal struggles of instructors, the challenges of maintaining brand integrity amid corporate expansion, and the fallout from political upheaval, the episode provides a nuanced understanding of how even the most celebrated brands can harbor significant internal conflicts. This deep dive serves as a cautionary tale about the costs of rapid growth and the importance of maintaining core values in the face of external pressures.

Notable Quotes

• Janet Fitzgerald [02:26]: "I had no idea that Julie and Elizabeth were going to get into bed with Equinox."
• Akin Ackman [05:28]: "I don't even know what you're doing in life that you can ride 3, 4, 5 SoulCycle classes a day."
• Hallie Becker [24:36]: "Yoga became that for me. As I was getting clean..."
• Cynthia Erivo [38:02]: "I know the vibe and the feeling that they wanted, that they brought. They're brilliant."
• Janet Fitzgerald [39:10]: "I'll never forget the moment that I learned that Julie and Elizabeth were going to leave."

Insights and Conclusions

• Power Dynamics: The intense relationships between instructors and riders can lead to problematic behaviors, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries and accountability.

• Impact of Expansion: Rapid growth, especially through corporate partnerships, can dilute brand integrity and create logistical challenges that are difficult to manage effectively.

• Cultural Shifts: Leadership transitions, particularly from visionary founders to corporate executives, can significantly alter a company's culture, often leading to employee dissatisfaction and loss of original values.

• Addiction and Control: The high-pressure environment of SoulCycle fosters both positive and negative addictions, highlighting the fine line between passion and dependency in fitness culture.

• Political Influence: Attempts to maintain political neutrality can sometimes lead to a lack of support for employees when broader societal issues impact the community internally.

This episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted challenges that come with managing a cult-like fitness empire. It underscores the importance of sustainable growth, authentic leadership, and the maintenance of core values to preserve the essence of a brand amidst inevitable changes and external pressures.